Police smash N7.7Bn telecom fraud syndicate, arrest six

By Olakunle Oke

The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a major cyber-fraud syndicate involved in a ₦7.7 billion heist targeting a Nigerian telecommunications company.

The operation, led by the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC), resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of significant assets.

The investigation was triggered by a petition from the telecom operator regarding irregularities in its billing and payment protocols.

Detectives discovered that the syndicate had compromised staff login credentials, granting them unauthorized access to critical financial infrastructure.

Following weeks of intelligence gathering, coordinated raids were launched in October 2025 across Kano and Katsina States, culminating in a final arrest in the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspects have been identified as Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad.

According to police reports, the proceeds of the crime were traced to high-value assets which have now been seized. Recovered items include two residential properties and two mini-plazas in Kano, as well as retail outlets stocked with over 400 laptops and 1,000 mobile phones.

A Toyota RAV4 and substantial cash sums found in the suspects' bank accounts were also confiscated.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the NPF-NCCC operatives for their professionalism.

He reiterated the Force’s resolve to sanitize Nigeria’s digital space, warning that cybercriminals will face the full weight of the law regardless of their status. The suspects are set to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.